Yes, put the leash back on him before you get to the car. In fact, I've got a couple of other ideas for you, to help with reinforcement and positive leash recall: Long before your walk is over, while you're both still having fun, call him to you-- use treats, if his recall still needs work. Put the leash on him, and walk on the leash for a few minutes, then release him again for a bit, recall him, walk on leash, release... This is important, in case you run across a situation that you need to have better control of your dog for, such as another party, or a rabbit or cat you don't want him to chase, or someone out shooting (even if it's illegal, some people are still stupid sometimes), etc. Also, this practice will not necessarily train him to associate the leash with the end of the fun, causing him to become uncooperative. He needs to learn that the leash is for his own safety, and to trust your judgment.
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